PACE

PACE is the Plano ISD's Gifted and Talented program that provides advanced academic challenges and enrichment for identified students.

Students are identified through a district screening and evaluation process that may include assessments, teacher input, and other data.

PACE students participate in pull-out instruction multiple times per week, along with support in the regular classroom.

The referral window for elementary PACE (gifted and talented) services is now open. Students may be referred by a parent or guardian, teacher, principal, counselor or the student. Assessments are administered during the school day at the student's home campus, and students may participate in the assessment process once per school year.

All referrals must be submitted by Friday, October 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Online PACE Referral Form 

Referral Timeline

• Referral Forms Available: Friday, August 14, 2026
• Referral Deadline: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The online referral form will be available on August 14. Families who prefer a paper referral form should contact the campus gifted specialist.

Assessment Information

Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are assessed during the fall semester for placement beginning in the second semester.

Districtwide ability assessments administered to 1st, 3rd and 5th grade students are included as part of the identification process. Students in all other grade levels complete the district-approved PACE assessment battery during the fall.

New to Plano ISD?

Students who previously received gifted services in another school district should contact the campus gifted specialist at the beginning of the school year. Previous assessment results may be submitted for review and consideration.

Resources

• Plano ISD Advanced Academics (PACE)
• Online PACE Referral Form